Having Trouble Getting A COVID-19 Vaccine? Try Shopping Around

Just a few days ago, Minnesota Governor Walz Opened up vaccines to the next group of Minnesotans.  This is great news as it's a sign that things are progressing faster with distribution and vaccine availability.  Even though you might now qualify for a vaccine, I know several people and include myself, that have not been able to get approved by their health care provider.

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I won't name my health care provider here, but I multiple times have filled out their questionnaire, and have been denied a shot.  While it's good to check with your provider, it's also a good idea to get on the Minnesota Department of Health website and use their connector tool which you can do HERE.  Doing so will get you into the system and is supposed to notify you when you are eligible in your area.

With my health care provider, I was able to select three boxes for jobs I do that technically should qualify me, adding to that two underlying conditions.  Still, my healthcare provider denied a vaccine.  A co-worker of mine at my other gig in the emergency response field mentioned that she was able to schedule hers at a Thrifty White Pharmacy on the Iron Range.  Another one was able to get scheduled at the Walmart in Hermantown.

I followed their lead and went onto the Walmart website where I had to register an account.  I then filled out their questionnaire and was able to schedule my first shot of the vaccine for next next day.  So if you feel that you qualify to get one, and some places are denying it, it might be a good idea to shop around a bit as it worked for me.